If someone were to ask me “what are the two most delicate foods to cook”, I would have to answer:
- Crepes
- French Omelets
I am not a professional chef, but in my opinion, in order to create the perfect crepe or French omelet, you will need a crepe pan. Let’s start by defining “What is a crepe pan?”
A crepe pan is a flat or round-bottomed pan that is shaped to effectively cook a thin crêpe or French omelet. They have shallow sides so that you can get under the crepe or omelet with a spatula or wooden crepe spoon.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Nordic Ware Traditional French Steel Crepe Pan, 10-Inch | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | BK Black Carbon Steel Crepe Pan, 10" | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Cast Iron Round Griddle - 10.5” Crepe Pan - Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Silicone Handle Grip- Grill, Oven, Stove Top and Induction Safe | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Matfer Bourgeat 062034 Round Crepe Pan, 9 1/2-Inch, Gray | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | De Buyer - Pancake Pan - Blue Steel 9½'' 2 mm Thick | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Why Use a Crepe Pan?
Crepe pans are mostly used to make crepes or omelets. When you cook crepes or French omelets you need a pan with low sides in order to get under your food to turn it without destroying it. Traditional French carbon steel crepe pans fit that need perfectly.
Why Use French Carbon Steel Crepe Pans?
The French have been making various carbon steel pans for hundreds of years. They have lots of experience in manufacturing carbon steel cookware. French carbon steel crepe pans are used extensively throughout some of the most famous restaurants in Europe. Their pans are just the best!
Types of Crepe Pans
Crepe pans can be made of stainless steel, ceramic, aluminum, copper, non-stick, cast-iron, and carbon steel. In my opinion, the best traditional crepe pans are made of carbon steel and are made in France.
- Crafted from pre-seasoned carbon steel, this crepe pan is specially designed to develop a nonstick patina layer over time—the more you use it, the better it gets
- Lightweight and easy to handle, this pan delivers the same great searing results as cast iron without the extra bulk
- Stronger and more durable than traditional carbon steel, Black Steel is corrosion-resistant, stain-resistant, and three times denser than aluminum
- This incredibly heat responsive pan is oven safe up to 600°F and powerful enough for grill and open flame use
- Metal utensil safe
- Riveted cast iron handle
- For all stovetops including induction
- Pre-seasoned with oil, this pan ships with a thin silicone wax coating that’s much easier to remove than beeswax or grease, so it’s ready to use after a quick wash with soap
- Hand wash only, dry completely before storing
- 2-year limited warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Crepe Pan Designs
The most important design aspect of crepe pans are:
- The must-have low sides
- The handles should be welded instead of riveted.
The low sides of a crepe pan help in the turning process of the food being cooked. You do not have to struggle to get under your food in a good, low-sided crepe pan in order to turn your food.
The entire surface of a great crepe pan should be smooth and this includes the shallow sides. If the handle is riveted to the pan, then you have rivets on the inside surface of the pan which makes cleaning the pan a chore.
If the pan has rivets then it can be cumbersome to be able to get under the omelet or crepe in order to turn it over.
The handles on the Matfer Bourgeat crepe pan are welded. This provides a smooth inside surface that is easy to clean and also makes turning your food easier without the obstruction of the rivets. I really like this pan!
I prefer carbon steel crepe pans made in France. Carbon Steel pans do not have harmful coatings that could come off and get into your food. The temperature of carbon steel pans can be easily regulated and controlled during your cooking process.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Being able to control the temperature of your crepe pan is critical for perfect omelets or crepes. Since crepes and French omelets are very thin, the temperature of the pan is critical so that crepes or omelets are not overcooked. Crepes are best made in crepe pans, but French omelets can be made in either a crepe pan or an omelet pan. If you are using an omelet pan, make sure the sides are rounded as much as possible. I like the Vollrath pan for making French omelets if I don’t have my crepe pan handy.
The inside angle of your omelet pan should be as round as possible if you are cooking French omelets. This will help to slide the omelet out of the pan after it is folded.
When I use my crepe pan to create French omelets, I use a fork or small soft silicone spatula to turn and roll the omelet back on itself.
There is no rating for these spatulas, but I don’t care…they are great. These high-temperature silicone spatulas can be found here at Amazon.
I usually use a special wooden spatula for turning my crepes. Beachwood is the best wood to look for when you are purchasing a crepe spatula. Check out this Beachwood crepe spatula here at Amazon. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Can I Use a Crepe Pan on an Induction Stove?
Carbon steel crepe pans work great on induction stoves. The thing to remember is that you want to use a carbon steel crepe pan because you need to be able to control the heat of the pan quickly. If you use a cast iron crepe pan it will hold the heat longer and therefore it will take a little longer to adjust the heat. When you first pour the crepe mixture into the pan, you want to be able to adjust the heat to find the correct temperature in order to produce the perfect crepe.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Portable Induction Cooktop, iSiLER 1800W Sensor Touch Electric Induction Cooker Cooktop with Kids Safety Lock, 18 Power 17 Temperature Setting Countertop Burner with Timer | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold 8100MC/BT-180G3 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Duxtop Professional Portable Induction Cooktop, Commercial Range Countertop Burner, 1800 Watts Induction Burner with Sensor Touch and LCD Screen, P961LS/BT-C35-D | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Amazon Basics 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Burner | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
When I make crepes, I usually ruin the first few crepes until I find the correct temperature that I am looking for. This is no big deal and I am prepared to initially ruin a couple of crepes to arrive at the temperature and crepe mixture that I desire.
Making crepes is more of an art rather than an exact science because of the number of variables that you have to deal with.
What is the Best Induction Cooktop for Crepe Making?
The gas stove is my preferred heat source for cooking many foods, including crepes. However, if I were to choose an induction stove, I would pick a single burner induction cooktop that is portable.
I especially like Duxtop 8100MC 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop Countertop Burner, Gold by Duxtop. This induction stove-top has an 1800 W burner and the temperature is adjustable.
- Duxtop Induction Cooktop uses 120V 15 amp electrical outlet - standard in all North American homes; lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage.
- Digital control panel. Built-in count-down digital timer with 1 minute increments up to 170 minutes; 10 temperature range from 140 °F to 460 °F; 10 power levels from 200 to 1800 Watts.
- With no open flame or heating element, food does not burn-on the glass cooktop so this induction burner is easy to clean—just wipe with a damp towel. Durable 7-blade fan rapidly dissipates heat to ensure a longer product life.
- The auto-pan detection will shut the unit automatically after 60 seconds if no cookware is detected; equipped with diagnostic error message system, low and high voltage warning system; ETL approved.
- Note: In order to use this and any other induction stove, you need to use cookware with a magnetic bottom, whose diameter is at least 5 inches. 2-year manufacturers warranty, as well as customer servi
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
I have seen this burner used in a lot of big box stores when they demonstrate food samples, so I know they will hold up well in your kitchen. You can use this burner indoors or outside if need be. There are more expensive induction stove-tops but this one will serve your purpose. You can find this induction stovetop here at Amazon.
When you use an induction stove-top, you have to make sure that your crepe pan is magnetic. Crepe pans that are made of carbon steel are perfect for induction stove-top burners. The Matfer Bourgeat crepe pan would work perfectly with this induction stove.
What is the Best Electric Crepe Maker?
If you do not want to fuss with a crepe pan, another idea would be to use an electric crepe maker. There are many choices to look at when shopping for electric crepe makers.
The electric crepe maker I like best is the Morning Star – Crepe Maker Pro – 13 Inch Crepe Maker & Electric Griddle – Non-stick Pancake Maker by Morning Star. This crepe maker has edges that are curved upward slightly to contain the crepe mixture.
This crepe maker is 13-inches in diameter and the cooking surface is non-stick. You can make crepes on it as well as making pancakes. The temperature is adjustable which will help you control the heat.
- Make delicate crepes and blintzes quicker and easier on this 13 inch crepe maker
- Control your temperature precisely with our precise temperature dial
- Large 13 inch aluminum non-stick plate is also ideal for pancakes, eggs, and much more!
- Batter spreader, essential for making an ideal thin crepe, is included
- Indicator light tells you when plate has reached desired temperature for cooking
If you take a look at the picture, you will see two steel helper handles which will come in handy when you move it.
Do I Need Those “T” Shaped Crepe Spreaders?
If you use an electric crepe maker the answer is YES. If you use a carbon steel crepe maker you can get along without it because you can lift the pan to move the mixture around the pan while it is still liquid.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Adore Amore | 4-Piece Natural Beechwood Crepe Spreader & Spatula Set | 14-inch Spatula | 3.5 – 5 – 7 inch Spreaders | Premium Finish | Home Kitchen/Café | Breakfast Pancakes | Sweet or Savory | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Crepe Spreader and Spatula 4 Set - Crepes De Espatula - 12 Inch Crepe Spatula 3.5, 5, 7 Inch Spreaders Kit - all Natural Ashtree - Creperie Pancake Maker - all Sizes To Fit For Crepe Pans | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Indigo True Original Crepe Spreader and Spatula Set - 4 Piece (7", 5", 3.5" Spreaders and 14" Spatula) Convenient Sizes to Fit Any Crepe Pan Maker | All Natural Beechwood T-Shape Construction | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Crepe Spreader & Spatula Turner - Set of 2-5" Inch Spreader Kit - 12" Crepe Spatula - Natural Beechwood Without Paint and Varnish - Great Gift idea for Pancake Lovers | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
What is the Best Oil for Making Crepes?
I have always had great success with using unsalted butter. It would be interesting to try coconut oil for a different taste. I would not use olive oil or any of the other oils other than butter and coconut oil. Here is a link to Amazon for the coconut oil I use.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Recommended Reading
What is a Paella Pan?
Paella pans are wide and shallow to create maximum surface area, allowing liquids to evaporate and form as much crispy golden crust on the bottom as possible. This golden crust is called "socarrat".
Cast Iron Woks vs. Carbon Steel Woks
Here we look at the differences between the two most commonly used materials for woks, cast iron and carbon steel. We also look at the similarities between the two, and finally, which works best for you.
Why Use Carbon Steel Cookware?
Carbon steel is the preferred choice by chefs around the world. Carbon steel pans can be made non-stick which will rival the best stainless steel and other coated non-stick pans. These pans are durable will last a life-time.
What Are These Carbon Steel Splotches?
If food is sticking to your carbon steel pan or skillet, you are not alone. Read to see how you can correct this food-sticking problem forever! It's easy!
What is the Best Oil for Seasoning Carbon Steel Cookware?
There are many oils that you can use when cooking with carbon steel cookware. My preferred choice of oils is Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil, and Coconut oil. There are many reasons to select the oil that you choose to use. This article should help to make your selection a bit easier.
A Carbon Steel Pan Seasoning Method that Actually Works
Seasoning by the two methods described in this article will be easy and will produce positive predictable results. You will see, in this article, that this method of seasoning just plain works!
